Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Re: Long-term consequences of IBS on life

Have you tried any type of therapy? I see a psychologist, and it is a huge help. They can help you deal with the stress/anxiety...and stop you from always thinking about the worst possible scenario. I think that stress/anxiety is one of the biggest contributors to IBS. MANY people on here deal with it. I would try both hypnotherapy (the CDs are very good) and real therapy. It will really help you put things in perspective.

One thing to try (that works well for me) is to write down the things that are causing your anxiety. Write the situation, what things you can control, what is out of your control, what is the worst thing that could happen, and how you would deal with that. Basically think through the situation logically, not emotionally and irrationally. It really helps to write it down and have something concrete to think about instead of just random thoughts floating around in your head making you more anxious. And when you see the things that are out of your control, then you can let them go. No sense worrying about them if you have no control over them anyway...logical, but still hard for us to do.

Therapy has been the biggest help for me. It sounds like you would benefit from it. And you might also want to try medication. I did for a while, and it definitely made a difference. I have other reasons for not taking it right now, but I would like to again someday. HTH.

--------------------
~Mary
Had surgery for rectal prolapse in Sept. '06 and feeling good now! Loving life with our IVF miracle #1.

Print Remind Me Notify Moderator